We are talking about a common misconception. We view GPS trackers as one “thing,” but miss the value of high precision and industrial level functionality. Imagine you are docking a supertanker from the main bridge. One of your doskside tools is GPS (along with other range finding sensors). Imagine that a “normal” GPS tracker gives you an accuracy in the range of 3 – 10 meters.
Elite trackers typically use multi-constellation GNSS (like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) to get centimeter-level accuracy. They might also use Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction or Differential GPS (DGPS) to reduce errors.
An element to consider is that a Pro tracker is more than the tracking element. It can combine multiple sensors within one unit, multiplying the functionalities available. Multi-sensor integration (temperature, humidity, tilt, motion)uses advanced connectivity (NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRaWAN, satellite fallback). It is likely that they include data encryption and secure cloud integration. This makes a PRO tracker a a multi-sensor powerhouse, not just a locator beacon.
Another consideration is the overall package, typically rated IP67 or higher, with ruggedized casings to withstand shocks, vibration, and weather. They have high-capacity batteries or solar panel connection for long-term deployment in more extreme conditions in shipping, rail freight, heavy machinery or mining and construction.
That industrial quality (rugged hardiness) is one we address in a lot of posts because it is a key quality of our work. As the CEO said in a recent meeting; your objective is to build quality at the start, because it costs a lot of time and money to send technical support to a remote location to fix things later. It seems logical, but it is the reason why “Pro” tools are a professional’s choice.
